Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
POWER SWEEPING
Floor area to be cleaned determines type of brush to
be used on sweeper
INDOORS AND OUTDOORS
Interior halls, corridors, walkways, and mall concourses
Narrow or small outdoor areas: sidewalks, walkways, concourses
Warehouses and industrial plants
Parking lots and large paved areas
SAFETY
Use the proper machine for an area
If using propane-powered equipment indoors, ensure it has up-todate emission controls, check noise levels, and ventilate area
If using battery-powered equipment, ensure safe operation and the
handling and storage of batteries
NEVER use gasoline-powered machines inside buildings
Never let machine move on its own
Be careful when backing
Always watch for people and obstacles
NEVER put your hands into moving parts
SHUT OFF for inspection and repairs
CARE OF EQUIPMENT
Clean out hopper after each use
Regularly check lubrication points
Check oil before and after each use
Keep unit clean
Clean brushes after each use
Clean or replace vacuum filters on a regular basis
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
MACHINE SCRUBBING –
CONVENTIONAL FLOOR MACHINES
The procedure below is best performed by a three-person
operation. This system gets the floor ready for use for the
next procedure in the shortest possible time.
CONVENTIONAL FLOOR MACHINE PERSONNEL
AND MATERIALS
Three workers
Wet floor signs
Conventional floor machine
Wet vacuum
Three clean mops and buckets
Two clean mop wringers
Dust mop and broom
Three putty knives
Scrubbing pad or floor machine scrubbing brush
Pad center
Detergent/cleaner
WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES
First Custodian: Operates the floor machine
Second Custodian: Operates the wet vacuum, lays down
scrubbing solution, cleans edges and corners with the center
pad
Third Custodian: Rinses floor, changes water, keeps
solution bucket full
*In the three-person system, the floor machine can be kept
running fairly continuously, with stops to switch wall plugs
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
MACHINE SCRUBBING –
CONVENTIONAL FLOOR MACHINES
STEP-BY-STEP WORK PROCEDURE
Sweep and dust mop the floor
Remove gum and sticky substances with putty knife
or chemical remover
Prepare solution:
Place wet floor signs
Apply solution to a 10 X 10 area
Attach brush or pad and scrub the area with floor
machine
Hand scrub edges and corners with center pad
Machine scrub using straight line motion in prepared
Area
Use Four-pass method
Follow with wet vacuum: Use six-pass method
Start rinsing with wet mop, apply rinse water using
Figure-8 or S-stroke, reverse direction for second rinse
Two rinse applications if necessary
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
MACHINE SCRUBBING –
CONVENTIONAL FLOOR MACHINES
SAFETY
If wet/dry vacuum is used, remove dry pickup bag from tank
Always use wet floor signs
Dilute chemicals according to manufacturer specifications
Place equipment and cords to prevent falls
Always look where you are going
Do not allow solutions to run or puddle
Check all electrical connections
Keep both hands on machine
Unplug before changing pads or brushes
Familiarize yourself with machine and equipment
Red-Tag broken equipment
CARE OF EQUIPMENT
Return all items to their proper storage area
Thoroughly clean and rinse wringers and mop buckets; tip
to dry
Never let solutions sit in buckets for long periods
Thoroughly clean and rinse mop heads and handles; hang
to dry
Clean putty knives and other tools
Clean wet vacuum tank, wand and hose
Clean outside of vacuum and scrubber
Clean reusable pads: Soak in stripper or neutral solution;
Rinse and hang to dry
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
MACHINE SCRUBBING –
AUTOMATIC SCRUBBERS
Automatic scrubbers save time and money. One operator
with one machine can complete the same job as two 3
person crews using conventional equipment. However,
proper use requires operator training.
SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS NEEDED
Operator and machine
Detergent/cleaner
Wet floor signs
Putty knife
Broom and dust mop
Scrubbing brush
STEP-BY-STEP WORK PROCEDURE
Sweep, dust mop, remove gum and sticky substances
Prepare solution and put it in machine’s solution tank
Place wet floor signs
Move obstacles such as furniture from path
Begin scrub at one end, turn, overlap
Hand clean corners and edges
When refilling solution tank, empty out recovery tank
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
MACHINE SCRUBBING –
AUTOMATIC SCRUBBERS
SAFETY
Use wet floor signs
Mix chemicals to their proper solution ratio
Keep both hands on the machine at all times
Watch for pedestrians and obstacles
Give pedestrians right-of-way
Check brushes attachment
Consult trained repair technician if problems occur
Disconnect power source before opening machine
When using cord-electric scrubber, limit coverage area
Use propane scrubber in areas with adequate ventilation
and ensure emission controls work properly
With battery-powered machines, use care with batteries
and battery chargers
CARE OF EQUIPMENT
Thoroughly clean the vacuum and solution tank
Thoroughly clean outside of machine
Store machine in a safe location
Regularly check power source, oil, hours, parts
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
WET STRIPPING
When doing wet-stripping, wear footwear that will not be
damaged by powerful stripping agents
WET STRIPPING WITH A CONVENTIONAL FLOOR
MACHINE
Prepare stripping solution in first bucket:
Always mix cleaning chemicals to their proper
dilution ratio!
Apply generous amount with mop
Allow solution to remain on floor as recommended
Use machine with a stripping pad to agitate old finish off
floor
Overlap just-scrubbed area
Remove slurry with wet vacuum
Rinse floor at least twice:
Use clear water from second bucket for first rinse
Use diluted neutralizer from third bucket for second rinse
If film remains on floor after drying: Mop with diluted
neutralizer
Thoroughly clean equipment
WET STRIPPING WITH AN AUTO SCRUBBER
Properly prepare stripping solution in bucket
Deposit stripping solution into auto scrubber tank
Ensure appropriate pad is on scrubber
Guide the machine, overlapping stripping areas
Rinse the stripped area with a neutralizer solution to
remove alkaline remaining on surface
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
DRY STRIPPING
Friction from dry stripping action removes old finish from
the floor. Keep an ample supply of stripping pads handy.
Do not use dry stripping on vinyl asbestos tile (VAT).
DRY STRIPPING WITH A FLOOR MACHINE
Sweep and dust mop with a treated mop
Remove gum and sticky substances
Properly prepare neutralizer rinse solution
Place wet floor signs
Attach black or brown pads
Use machine in a constant, slow, circular motion
Overlap
Change pads often
Dry vacuum
If using wet/dry vac, be sure dry pickup bag is in place
Dust mop area with an untreated mop
Wet mop with neutralizer solution
If residue remains on surface, mop again with neutralizer
solution
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
MACHINELESS STRIPPING
Machineless stripping, designed to strip floors inaccessible
to floor machine equipment, requires one custodian.
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
Two mop buckets, wringers and clean wet mops
Brooms, dust mop and putty knife
Wet floor signs
Wet vacuum
Neutralizer
Machine-less stripping chemical
STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE
Sweep, dust mop, remove gum
Prepare stripper solution according to label’s
recommended
dilution ratio in first mop bucket
Prepare neutralizer rinse solution in second mop bucket
Place wet floor signs
Generously apply stripper solution to a 10 X 10 floor area
Do not splash on walls
Allow stripper solution to remain on surface
as label recommends (three to five minutes)
Wet vacuum stripper and slurry from floor
Rinse with neutralizer solution
Be sure to clean baseboard with final rinse
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
APPLYING SEALER
Selection of the proper sealer is most important. No need
for sealer if resilient tile floor is in good shape or if finish
used is self-sealing. Compatible sealer and finish provide
optimum results.
MOP-ON METHOD
Mop must be new or previously used for sealing
Contaminants must be removed from new mop
Line clean mop bucket with a plastic bag
Prepare solution in this bucket to the recommended dilution ratio
Be sure floor is clean before applying sealer
Apply sealer with a Figure-8 or S-Stroke
Overlap
BEFORE SEALING: Clean the floor surface with an
untreated dust mop if it has been longer than six hours
since the floor was stripped!
LAMBSWOOL APPLICATOR
Use for no other purpose than sealing
Use with seal pan
If more than six hours have elapsed since stripping, mop floor with
untreated dust mop
Pour sealer solution into seal pan at cleaning site
Submerge applicator head, place in drip tray and wring
Don’t pour on floor, apply in straight-line strokes
If dry or worn spots show after sealing, seal again
If multiple applications are needed, do not apply more than
one coat closer than six inches from immovable edges or
barriers
This prevents difficult-to-remove sealer buildup against edges
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
APPLYING SEALER
GRAVITY FEED APPLICATOR
Efficient and time-saving with compatible sealer
If more than six hours have elapsed since stripping, mop with
untreated dust mop
Prepare sealer solution according to directions
Attach applicator head
Pour sealer into applicator tank, open control valve and adjust for
desired thickness level
Start at one end of area, walk backward to other end, swivel around
and repeat process
Overlap
If multiple applications are needed, do not apply more than one coat
closer than six inches from immovable edges or barriers
This prevents difficult-to-remove sealer buildup against edges
MOBILE APPLICATOR
Usage is similar to gravity feed applicator usage
Solution tank Is mounted on wheels
Be sure sealer is compatible
Thick seals may be thinned by heat or by using a
different manifold adjustment
Used in large unobstructed areas
SAFETY IN SEALING
Observe all previously noted safety procedures
Rope off area to prevent traffic straying onto newly sealed area
Never leave sealer solution buckets unattended
CARE OF EQUIPMENT
Properly clean equipment after each use
Clean out applicator tank, line and manifolds
Thoroughly wash applicator heads to avoid contamination
Return all items to designated storage areas
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
FLOOR FINISH RESTORERS
Floor finish restorers are used with floor machines to
revive the “wet-look” shine on a floor. If used improperly,
dirty shiny floor syndrome results.
SPRAY BUFFING WITH A LOW-SPEED MACHINE
EQUIPMENT - MATERIALS - SUPPLES
Conventional floor machine
Several clean buffing pads
Volatile solvent
Trigger sprayer
Restorer solution
Clean mop bucket
Neutral cleaner solution
Treated dust mop
Counter brush
Putty knife
STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE
Make sure restorer chemical is made for low-speed machine
Thoroughly dust mop floor
Remove sticky substances and hand clean corners & edges
Damp mop with neutral cleaner
Remove heel marks by hand with solvent and cloth
Attach buffing pad or brush to unplugged machine
When floor is dry, spray light mist of restorer solution to a
10 X 10 area
Machine buff area until dry
Repeat this process until entire floor area is spray buffed
Replace floor pads when necessary
Use both sides of pad before replacement, 500 square feet
Dust mop with treated dust mop
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Advanced Cleaning of Hard Floor Surfaces: Procedures Handout
WORK PROCEDURES:
FLOOR FINISH RESTORERS
SPRAY BUFFING HIGH-SPEED MACHINE (750+ RPM)
STEP-BY-STEP WORK PROCEDURE
Ensure finish restorer is compatible with high-speed machine
Use proper high-speed floor pad
Follow same procedures for low-speed machine
MOP-ON RESTORERS
STEP-BY-STEP WORK PROCEDURE
Follow same procedures as for spray buffing
Ensure finish restorer and pads are compatible
Apply restorer after floor is properly prepared
SAFETY
Spray buffing can be hazardous because of the friction
caused by moisture on a finished floor
Use wet floor signs
Dilute chemicals according to directions
Keep both hands on floor machine
IF YOU LOSE CONTROL OF MACHINE, DON’T PANIC!
Most Machines Will Stop When Handlebars Are Released
Unplug machine before changing pads
Red-tag broken equipment
Familiarize yourself with all equipment
CARE OF EQUIPMENT
Return equipment and supplies to storage area
Clean all equipment and materials
Clean floor machine cords, and check for nicks and cuts
Soak reusable pads in stripper or neutral solution
Check propane-powered machines for oil, fuel,
& maintenance needs
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